C-10

The armor glistened in the low light of the workshop. Finally, the Superman Unchained Armor stood complete. It was a masterpiece of design and engineering, a testament to the heights I'd reached in this new world. Vibranium panels formed the sleek, angular exterior—all in my signature colors of red and blue. The cape flowed seamlessly from the shoulders, a perfect blend of form and function, and a nod to tradition. Instead of wings or excessive ornaments, I had opted for something simpler yet no less symbolic.

I placed the suit into its display case, the glass locking into place with a soft hiss. A part of me wanted to test its full capabilities immediately, but there would be time for that later. The Unchained Armor was a backup plan, an answer to emergencies beyond even my usual powers. For now, I'd admire the craftsmanship and the sense of accomplishment that came with its completion.

The ringtone of my communicator pulled me out of my reverie. Tony Stark's name flashed across the screen.

"Bruce," Tony's voice was buzzing with excitement. "You've gotta come over. You're going to love this."

"On my way," I replied, stepping outside and lifting off into the sky. The rush of air was always exhilarating, even after all these years. In moments, I was soaring over Malibu, the waves glinting under the setting sun as I approached Tony's cliffside mansion.

Landing smoothly in front of the glass doors, I walked inside. Tony and Ultron were standing by something covered with a large sheet, their expressions giving away their barely-contained excitement. Tony started pacing, gesturing dramatically as he launched into a speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what you see before you is the culmination of genius, innovation, and…"

"Just show him the suit," Ultron interjected dryly, arms crossed.

Tony rolled his eyes but grinned, grabbing the edge of the sheet. "Fine, fine. Behold!" With a flourish, he pulled the sheet away.

The suit underneath was stunning. Its sleek, futuristic design gleamed under the lab lights, with a black and gold finish that was as elegant as it was intimidating. It looked like a blend of several different suits from the MODEL XLII – Black and Gold Armor, the MARK LI – Model Prime Armor, and the Iron Man Armor: Mark LXXXV.

"The Mark III," Tony announced proudly.

"Impressive," I said, stepping closer. "What's the tech behind it?"

Tony launched into an explanation, with Ultron occasionally cutting in to elaborate or correct. The Mark III had integrated flight systems, advanced targeting, nanotech-based repairs, and a host of other features that made it a significant leap forward. It was as much a weapon as it was a shield, a statement of intent for who Tony Stark was becoming.

I let out a low whistle. "That's quite a piece of work, Tony. And you said I had a flair for the dramatic."

"Takes one to know one," he shot back, grinning.

The moment was interrupted by the voice of a TV reporter echoing through the room. The screen displayed a live broadcast from the Disney Concert Hall. The reporter's voice was animated as she spoke about the high-profile charity event for the Firefighter's Family Fund.

"Tony Stark's third annual benefit has become the place to be for L.A.'s high society," the reporter said. "But Stark himself has been notably absent from public appearances since his press conference."

Tony glanced at the screen, then at me. "What do you think? Should we make an appearance?"

I smirked. "Crash the party?"

"Exactly."

Ultron tilted his head. "And how, exactly, do you plan to do that?"

"With style," I said.

Tony's grin widened as he turned to get ready. Ultron just shook his head, though I could see the hint of a smirk. Tonight, the world was about to meet Superman, and I had every intention of making it unforgettable.

The city lights glimmered as Tony's helicopter touched down on the rooftop of the grand Disney Concert Hall, where his annual Firefighter's Family Fund gala was in full swing. Tony adjusted his tie, his smirk as sharp as his suit. "Ready to crash this thing, Wayne?"

I returned his grin. "Always."

Ultron, standing by the rooftop edge, crossed his metallic arms. "And how exactly do you plan to make this entrance memorable?"

I stepped back, activating my Vibranium Superman suit. Panels of blue and red unfolded over my body, the cape flowing down my back as the helmet locked into place with a hiss of air. The suit gleamed under the moonlight, a perfect blend of style and raw power.

"With style," I said.

Tony chuckled. "Just don't upstage me too much."

"No promises."

As Tony entered through the rooftop elevator, I took a different approach. My cape billowed behind me as I leaped into the night sky, soaring high above the city. Below, the party was already buzzing with excitement at Tony's surprise appearance, but they hadn't seen anything yet.

The first thing they noticed was the thunderous sonic boom. Heads turned skyward, eyes widening as a streak of red and blue cut through the clouds like a meteor. Gasps echoed across the crowd. The reporters' cameras swung upward, trying to catch the figure descending toward them.

I slowed my flight just enough to create a whirlwind of wind and light as I landed with force, crouched in an iconic superhero pose. The marble steps beneath me cracked slightly under the impact, dust swirling in a dramatic display. I rose slowly, standing tall as my cape settled behind me.

The murmurs were deafening. People whispered in awe and disbelief.

"Superman!" someone exclaimed, their voice cutting through the crowd. "What are you doing here!?

I turned my gaze toward Tony, who was standing at the top of the stairs, grinning like a proud showman. I walked toward him, my movements deliberate and commanding. The cameras flashed furiously, capturing every step.

As I reached Tony, I extended a hand. He gripped it firmly, grinning.

"Nice entrance," Tony said, his voice loud enough to carry over the stunned silence.

"Couldn't let you have all the fun," I replied as I raised my hands and waved as my suit retracted. 

The silence was absolute for a moment before it exploded into chaos. Reporters screamed questions, flashes from cameras came in waves, and the crowd surged closer. Ignoring the chaos, I wrapped an arm around Tony. "Let's head inside."

"Show-off," he muttered with a grin.